Business feature: McDonald's accomodating city growth

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks A sign on North Prince Street indicates where the new McDonald's will be built, between Chili's and Lowes.

John Snowberger said he is growing his business with Clovis.

In January, the owner of Clovis’ two McDonald’s restaurants said, he will break ground on a third location behind Chili’s Bar and Grill on North Prince Street.

“We’re happy with our business where it’s at, but we’ve noticed the town is growing north,” he said.

“I’m trying to grow with the town.”

The third restaurant, which is expected be complete in about 100 days, will have an indoor Playland, state-of-the-art equipment and decor, and a few surprises, he said.

Snowberger, who in 2002 bought the McDonald’s at 14th and Mitchell streets as well as the one located on Mabry Drive, said the new location will employ between 80 and 90 people.

The other two locations employ 165 personnel combined.

It is not just a chance to grow the business, but it is also an opportunity to stimulate the community, he said.

“I’ve got dozens of people with over 10 years experience and several with over 20,” he said.

“We have a lot of career people. It’s giving our mid-management teams a chance to grow.”

When the new location is operational, Snowberger said, the location at 14th and Mitchell streets, built in 1971, will be closed for complete reconstruction.

When it reopens in the late summer to early fall of 2010, he expects it to serve as a 24-hour location.

Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos said the expansion is one of many happening in the community.

The chamber’s schedule is packed over coming days and weeks with ribbon cuttings to celebrate expansions and remodel projects from banks to hotels and even dance studios and fitness centers.

“In my opinion it’s a sign that the future looks very bright in Clovis,” she said.

Snowberger’s expansion is one that is doubly good to see because his McDonald’s restaurants have a long history of community stewardship, she said.

“Obviously when we have businesses expand like McDonald’s, we look at it as a sign of growth and just a brighter future for the community. Especially with McDonald’s,” she said.

“They have a long history of giving back to the community. They’re very community minded ... If they’re making more, I’m confident they’ll give more.”

Kos said there has been a lot of “buzz” about Snowberger’s plans to open the new location, particularly from residents of the northern part of Clovis, excited to have a more convenient location to visit.